Their bodies were found in a North Epping house, in Sydney's northwest, on July 18, 2009.

They had been beaten to death with a hammer-like object, while the cause of death for four of the victims also included asphyxia, Sydney courts have previously heard.

Mr Xie stood in court on Friday and said "not guilty" as each charge was read out by Justice Megan Latham.

It is the first time he has formally entered a plea.

His barrister, Graham Turnbull SC, said the defence were still being served with evidence, including that iron bars were found in a nearby park, well after Mr Xie's committal hearing, which was held in August.

"This brief continues to roll in," Mr Turnbull said.

Justice Latham said she would assign a judge to help manage the case, which is set down for a 10 to 12 week trial.

Mr Turnbull said the legal parties were trying to "whittle down" 200 witnesses.

Mr Xie's wife, Kathy Lin, stood near the front of the court to hear her husband plea.